Great for kids
A five-hour morning out of West Miami for families who want the Everglades without a full day: airboat ride, live reptile show, short nature walk, and back by early afternoon.
The Miami version of Captain Bob’s Excellent Adventure leaves from the Dolphin Mall area in West Miami at 9:30 a.m., which makes it workable even if you are staying downtown or on the beach. In five hours you get the airboat, the reptile presentation and a short walk, and you are back in the city by one.
Most children leave talking about two things: how loud the airboat is, and the alligator they got to see up close. Our guides have handled reptiles for years — several came to us from zoos — and the presentation is built to answer the questions kids actually ask.
Life jackets for children six and under and ear protection are provided. Bring sunscreen, water and closed-toe shoes; food is not included, so eat breakfast first.
Not included: gratuities, and anything you buy at the museum gift shop or along the way. Lunch is not included on this tour — eat breakfast before pickup.
Times are approximate — your guide will tell you the plan for the day at pickup and adjust it to the water, the weather and the wildlife.
Your guide collects you from a Fort Lauderdale-area hotel or departure point.
Out on the River of Grass inside Everglades National Park — roseate spoonbills, great egrets, wood storks, purple gallinules and snail kites.
An interactive, hands-on talk about the snakes and alligators of the Everglades, built for curious kids.
A short boardwalk loop through a pond apple forest with wildlife exhibits along the way.
Back in time for the pool.
Pickup is part of the tour and is required — we do not run self-drive tours from the east coast. Your naturalist collects you, drives the day and brings you back to the same door.
Families with small children, grandparents travelling with grandchildren, and anyone with a short stay who still wants an airboat and a close look at an alligator.
★★★★★
“We took this tour on our honeymoon, and it was one of our more memorable experiences! The tour guide was absolutely the best there is. We visited so many wonderful locations you would never know were there unless you lived here. My wife and I learned a lot. We’re really glad we took this trip, and highly recommend it for anyone else who enjoys nature.”
Nathan G. · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
“Outstanding day with Ben! He was loaded with knowledge for the entire day. Alligators, birds, ecosystems — Ben even had a bird checklist of 70 different varieties. We found 28 of those on the list.”
Rhicksjr83 · TripAdvisor
Before you book
Yes. Captain Bob’s Excellent Adventure is built for families and welcomes every age, including toddlers and infants. Life jackets are provided for children six and under, and ear protection is available for the airboat.
No. Eat breakfast before pickup; the tour returns between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., depending on your departure city.
About five hours door to door, including transport, the airboat ride, the reptile presentation and the nature walk.
Sunscreen, water, hats and closed-toe shoes. Bring a camera for the reptile presentation — the kids will want proof.
Free cancellation when you call at least 48 hours before your pickup time. Inside 48 hours we charge $25 per person. No-shows are not refunded.
Other tours
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Reservations close at 5 p.m. the day before the tour.
